Singing Hot And Cool: The Polyvagal Theory And Vocal Pedagogy
Thursday 17th June 2021, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
The vagus nerve is closely involved with both the larynx and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The polyvagal theory details the remarkable role of this nerve bundle in the evolution of voice and speech communication, and affirms the power of the voice as an instantaneous transmitter of ANS status, both in daily life communication and between artist and audience. Finally, parallels emerge between the vagus nerve’s contributions to psycho-physiological resilience (the ability to be aroused and calm at the same time) and artists’ descriptions of stage presence. Crosslinks between neurological evidence and the experience of performing arts will support suggestions for vocal pedagogy.
REVIEW OF TERMINOLOGY
- Structures of interest: cranial nerve X (vagus) and its brainstem nucleii
- Functions of interest: autonomic versus sensory-motor
- Autonomic (ANS) components: sympathetic (“hot”) and parasympathetic (“cool”)
THE POLYVAGAL THEORY OF SOCIAL COMMUNICATION
- Characteristics of the vagus nerve in animals and humans
- How “hot and cool” ANS regulation makes speech and singing possible
THE POLYVAGAL VOICE
- Muscle controls in the vagus nerve: larynx and more
- Voice as a carrier of ANS signals, in daily life and performance
THE POLYVAGAL THEORY ONSTAGE
- How performers describe the inner state onstage
- Is “very hot and very cool” the ANS recipe for stage presence?
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ARTS TEACHERS
- ANS regulation as a pedagogical goal
- The importance of training ensembles
- Suggestions for warm-ups, cool-downs, and performance anxiety
- The well-regulated teacher
Joanna Cazden
Joanna Cazden, MFA, MS-CCC is a speech pathologist specializing in vocal arts rehabilitation, now in private practice after 18 years as senior voice clinician...
Sorry, this is an archived short course...
We have plenty of upcoming short courses coming soon. See details of some of them below or look at the full list of short courses.

Tuesday 5th August 2025
1:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday 12th August 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday 19th August 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday 26th August 2025
1:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday 2nd September 2025
1:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday 9th September 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday 16th September 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday 23rd September 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
(London Time)
Certificate in Acting Approaches for Singing Teachers

Louisa Morgan
Are you a singing teacher looking to elevate your students’ performances? Join our very own Louisa Morgan, as she takes a deeper dive into acting approaches that singing teachers can use to integrate powerful acting techniques into singing lessons. This 8 session course is perfect for those who want to help their singers connect deeply with the story behind the song. Gain practical tools and techniques that you can immediately apply in your teaching! Come along live for an interactive experience, or watch on playback at your leisure.


Tuesday 2nd September 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Soul-Training: Riffs, Runs, & R&B Singing

Lisa Popeil
In this interactive workshop, participants will have an opportunity to explore an extremely popular vocal style known as soul singing or R&B (Rhythm & Blues). Lisa Popeil will share with singers, voice teachers, and anyone interested in this powerful vocal style some little-known techniques in producing this rich, emotional, and satisfying sound!


Thursday 4th September 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Unpacking the Mind-Voice Connection in Occupational Voice Users!

Dr Cantor Cutiva
Join Dr. Cantor-Cutiva as she explores the Mind-Voice Connection, a holistic framework that considers how psychological traits, stress levels, and sleep quality interact with vocal health, particularly in occupational voice users. Through a multidisciplinary lens, we will examine how personality dimensions such as extraversion, neuroticism, and conscientiousness influence not only vocal behaviour but also the perception and reporting of vocal fatigue.